India captain Harmanpreet Kaur bemoaned a stunning lower-order collapse as world champions Australia chased down a record 331 to seal a three-wicket win in the Women's World Cup in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
At 294 for four, with more than seven overs to go, India looked set to cross 350 but lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs in seven overs. Annabel Sutherland came through the Indian lower order to claim her maiden five-wicket haul (5/40 in 9.5 overs).
“The way we started, we could have added more than 30-40 runs. We missed runs in the last six overs and that cost us,” Harmanpreet said in the post-match presentation.
“It was a good batting wicket, but not batting well in the last six overs cost us.”
Earlier, openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) put on 155 runs for the first wicket, setting the tone for India.
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“Openers were excellent, thanks to them we scored 300 runs. The last five overs cost us a lot. In the last three matches we were not able to bat in the middle overs. Our lower order took the responsibility,” Harmanpreet said.
“Today the first 40 overs were good. It's important how we come back; these things happen,” she added.
India's five-bowler ploy to strengthen its batting failed again as it failed to make any dent, with the Aussies dominating.
'Will discuss five-bowler strategy'
Harmanpreet said India would “sit and discuss” the strategy as they suffered two successive defeats, first against South Africa here on Thursday when they failed to defend 251.
“We will sit down and discuss. This combination has given us success. Two bad games will not make a difference,” said Harmanpreet, who was forced to do the sixth bowler's job to make up for the lack of a bowler.
Only Shree Charani (3/41) shone with the ball, while the rest proved expensive.
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“She was excellent. Today too, she bowled well to their batters. Even then.” [Alyssa] Healy was hitting, she wasn't giving anything easily. We have a lot of hope from her to make breakthroughs,” said Harmanpreet.
Chasing 331, Australian Alyssa Healy led from the front with a masterful 142 off 107 balls (21×4, 3×6).
Ellyse Perry, who had earlier retired with cramps, returned to send her side home with an unbeaten 47 from 52 balls (5×4, 1×6) as Australia won with an over to spare.
“Chasing 330 in a 50-overs game is new territory for us. Hopefully we don't have to do it again,” Healy said after being presented with the player of the match award.
She also credited Australia's bowling unit for pulling things back.
“Credit to our bowlers for pulling back; we could have been chasing 360-plus.”
Healy also praised Charani for her bowling efforts.
“Charani bowled very well tonight. We did not identify any threats; we limited the damage and tried to attack the others.”
Regarding Perry's cramps, Healy said: “I mean, the crampworm is circulating around our group at the moment, but we have a few days off here in Vizag, so hopefully we can rest, recover and enjoy the city.”
Australia will face Bangladesh at the same venue on Thursday, while India will travel to Indore to play England on Sunday.
Published on October 12, 2025
